Eaves, n. pl.

(eevz), n. pl. [A-S. efese, eaves of a house, brim, brink; O. H. Ger. obisa, opasa, hall, roof; M. H. Ger. obese, oese, id., also eaves; Icel. ups, lowest part of the roof; Goth. ubizra, portico; Icel. upsar-dropi, O. Sw. opsü-drup, water dropping from the eaves. The s of eaves is in English regarded as a plural ending, though not so in Saxon.] (Arch.) The edges or lower borders of the roof of a building, which overhang the walls, and cast off the water that falls on the roof.